43 FALL 2019 ISSUE 01 / VOL . 01 SNOWGOER . COM
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From rolling hills , to twisting trails , to flat and frozen lakes – the Park Rapids area offers numerous types of trails for any kind of riding .
It ’ s a bit of a light-hearted controversy as to whether or not the group should be allowed to trench-out the trails during select winter months , given that snowmobiles only have a limited window to access the very same trails which the group can ride all year .
After taking a short break in a secluded area of woods , we discovered what would be the only hiccup of the day other than a brief dig-out in another remote stop – the low oil light on the Polaris Switchback XCR was warning us of a needed top-up . Foolishly , we had neglected to replenish levels completely before heading out , but luckily we were not far from our trailer and supplies .
Now with full fluids , we left again on Trail 5 through tight pine trees and weaving turns to Trail 12 , and then Trail 11 before making our way into Park Rapids once more . In the parking lot of the West 40 – a large barn that is a local favorite for all-day breakfasts and other foods – we discussed the route we would take for the rest of the day ’ s trip . After riding mostly trails the past few days , we realized we really hadn ’ t done much ditch banging to test the adjustable clicker shocks further .
Leaving south from Park Rapids we rode in legal ditches that remain a mystery to me . Living within the area for numerous years now , Joe led the way as we weaved our sleds through marked farm fields , nearly abandoned country roads and across permitted field approaches ( some of which we were able to accurately determine were free of obstacles and catch some air on ) until eventually arriving at the Huntersville State Forest trail system .
We entered onto Huntersville on Trail 17 and headed east until we came to Trail 25 , which took us through a roundabout loop until we came to our pit stop for the day – The Outpost .
Although its mailing address technically resides in Menahga , the bar and grill was also nominated as one of Snow Goer ’ s 101 best pit stops for its spec fuel , while also providing a full menu of classic sandwiches , burgers and other fried